Everything you need to know about Mosquito-borne diseases

Commonly known mosquito-borne fevers are Malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. These diseases can cause severe morbidity in the infected person. The outbreak of these diseases could be mild to severe in its particular seasons and regions. Anopheles mosquito causes Malaria, whereas Aedes mosquitos causes the other two diseases. Dengue and chikungunya are insect-borne viral diseases. On the other hand parasite called Plasmodium causes Malaria. The first step to prevent any of these diseases affecting you is by knowing the efficient mechanisms to use to prevent the mosquito bites and to distinguish the symptoms of the diseases for immediate care in case of infection.

Dengue

Aedes mosquito carries the viral infection. There are variation of viruses namely DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Dengue fever also called break-bone fever causes severe muscle and joint pain in the infected person.

Symptoms of Dengue

The first symptoms of any viral infection is a fever. Usually the infected person gets a fever within one week after being bit by the infected mosquito. Some of the common symptoms include high grade fever up to 105º F, severe muscle and joint pain, severe headache, red rashes on the chest, back, or stomach. It could also and spread to the limbs and face. There is usually a pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya means ‘to walk bent’. The prominent symptoms in the patient include fever and joint pain. A bite by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, also known as the ‘yellow fever mosquito’ spreads the infection to the person. Chikungunya is not contagious. Presently there are no vaccines available for the disease and the only way to diagnose it is with the help of a blood test.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

The incubation period of this disease is between 2-6 days but 4-7 days post-infection the symptoms may start to appear. Commonly found symptoms of Chikungunya include fever of about 104 degrees for two days. Also sudden rashes on the limbs, joint pain, headache and loss of appetite are symptoms.

Malaria

Malaria, the fatal blood disease spread through a mosquito bite. It transfers a parasite called Plasmodium. The parasite multiplies in the liver as soon as the person is infected. Also it affects the red blood cells (RBC).

Symptoms of Malaria

There are two kinds of malaria and the symptoms for both vary.

Mild Malaria: Symptoms like chills, shivers followed by headache, fever, and vomiting are common. The disease subsides with reduction in temperature with sweating, fatigue or tiredness. Children may sometimes have seizures.

Severe Malaria: This kind of malaria also starts with severe symptoms including fever and chills. Also it could lead to impaired consciousness, respiratory distress, deep breathing and more. Then abnormal bleeding leading to vital organ dysfunction, and clinical jaundice can occur.

How do you keep yourselves protected?

Dengue and chikungunya spread by the Aedes mosquitos which is active during the day and malaria is caused by the Anopheles mosquitoes that are active during nights. So round the clock protection is needed to keep you safe from diseases caused by mosquitoes.

Smartsan Mosquito Repellent

Smart San offers a unique formulation of mosquito repellents made of Neem and Citronella essential oil that gives your hands 99.9%* protection from Mosquitoes for up to 4 hours. It is free of DEET that has proved to be harmful and offers instant protection. The mosquito repellent comes in various forms like sachet, wipes and spray. This makes it easy to carry along and easy to use as per requirement.

The Smart San mosquito repellent 2.5 ML sachet is pocket sized and an instant solution to ward off mosquitoes. The wipes are 150×150 mm non-woven fabric conveniently folded and machine sprayed. This allows even wetness making it easy to apply on skin.

The 50ml and 100ml spray can easily fit in your bag. This makes it easy to carry and provides a long lasting protection against mosquitoes. The mosquito repellents do not contain any harsh elements for your skin. Instead natural formulation leaves your skin soft and clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mosquito repellent harmful in the long run?

Smartsan mosquito repellents are equipped with natural ingredients that repels mosquitoes. It is perfectly safe even for children to use.

Does the mosquito repellent contain DEET?

Smartsan Mosquito repellent is free of DEET and hence it is safe for use. Children to adults can safely use the product to enjoy long lasting protection

Why is DEET harmful?

Studies show that frequent application causes increased dose of ingestion DEET through skin which can damage the nervous system. Though the best bug repellent available, DEET is not recommended for long time use.